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I pulled away, yanking from his hold, and this time he let me. I strode to my car and Draven followed. The demons were torn up but still alive on the side of the road. I stepped over one, and got back to changing my tire while Draven walked to the writhing, bleeding demons and finished removing their heads, turning them to ash.

I hauled the flat into the trunk, ignoring him when he moved to stand beside me. Instead, I walked past and opened my door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me from getting in.

“I want to leave.”

He said nothing, just stared down at me for long seconds, those eerie green eyes searching mine before sliding over my cheek. Finally, he said, “It’s different.” His hand lifted like he was going to touch the new and improved black star on my face, but stopped himself.

“The mother took pity on me.”

His gaze slid back to mine and locked on. “You’re not like her, are you, Iris?”

It was the first time I’d heard him say my name, and tingles moved over my skin and my heart beat faster. He was talking about Selene. “I wouldn’t know.”

“You’d be better off if you were like her, little witch. You’re not nearly as cunning.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He dipped his head, his nose almost grazing my neck he was so close. He breathed me in again, and when he lifted his head, his eyes had darkened. “I wouldn’t. She apparently lived a long life. You carry on the way you are, you won’t be so lucky.”

“I’m capable of more than you realize.”

“If you say so,” he said, then breathed deep again. “I can smell him on you, the hound. Are you going to fuck him?”

The change of subject gave me whiplash. “No.”

“He wants you.”

“That has nothing to do with me.”

“So he’s your backup?”

“He was happy to help since the local pack refused to do as the previous one had and form a mutually beneficial alliance with the local witches.”

“And where is your hound now, Iris?”

I pulled free of him and shoved my car door open. “He’s not my hound, not that it’s any of your business. And thanks for helping me out, even though it’s obvious that saving my life is the last thing you wanted to do. Next time, save yourself the regret and drive on past.”

His nostrils flared and he took a step toward me. “Iris.”

I ignored him, got in my car, started it up, and got the hell out of there.

CHAPTER 10

Iris

The wind howled through the trees outside, making Else’s chimes under the porch an eerie, chaotic soundtrack. I stared at the ceiling, another night without sleep, thinking about so many things—including Draven, whose face filled my head, his presence a visceral sensation that wouldn’t leave me.

Our conversation two nights ago had been on replay in my head. How could I be so drawn to him? I knew I had bad taste in guys, but this, god, this twisted crush I had on the alpha bordered on masochistic.

A loud crack came from outside. Followed by the thud of something heavy hitting the ground.

I shot up.

Nia lifted her head.

“Stay, girl.”

Nia come.